One of the more popular Noble Record Exclusives they’ve released, ‘Farm’ by the band Farm, has been re-issued 4 times by Noble and all with a different color vinyl. My copy is the Gold Edition and was limited to around 300 copies. I am not someone who will buy different color variants so this is the only one of the four re-issues I have. If for some reason I have a bunch of money laying around wanting to be spent, I’ll get the other colors, but don’t hold your breath. Don’t get me wrong, the album is great, just don’t need four copies of the same album unless you give me a different song or an entirely different cover. But enough of that stuff, let us talk about Farm.
Farm is a band out of southern Illinois that recorded one album way back in 1971. Southern Illinois in 1971 was not exactly a mecca of famous bands, heck, I don’t think they have ever been. As a result, this band went mostly unheard of from the average music fan. However, the cult level fans knew about them and loved them and is the reason why there have been a ton of re-issues of this album. If you have around $2,000, you can pick up an original vinyl…but no point since these are way cheaper.
If you like dual guitar bands, then this band is for you. The band consists of Del Herbert on one guitar and Gary Gordon on the other. They are joined by Jim Elwyn on bass, Steve Evanchik on percussion, Roger Greenwalt on organ and Mike Young on drums. Together, they make up Farm and they are a southern rock, bluesy boogie band with elements of progressive rock thrown in for good measure. If you like Quicksilver and The Allman Brothers, these guys will be right up your alley. A short album with only 5 songs, but those songs leave quite the impression.
SIDE A:
The album opens with an 8-minute instrumental track and is really unexpected. There are a little vocals, but only a few “da-da da-da’s” thrown in for good measure. The guitars sound a little like Santana and there are elements of progressive rock as the song takes you to many different places. “Jungle Song” has some heavy drums, great percussion and ripping guitars especially since it is that dual guitar sound. It is an opening track that makes a statement.
Next up is “Let That Boy Boogie” and does it let him. The first four minutes are instrumental and you get more stellar guitars, harmonica (a la Aerosmith style) and straight up swamp style boogie. The vocals are handled by guitarist Gary Gordon and he delivers. That guitar solo towards the back half will blow your mind. It borders metal and is definitely in the hard rock spectrum. This is a more accessible track and it really cooks.
SIDE B:
Side two opens with “Sunshine in My Window” with more fuzzy dual guitars. An okay song that is really great if you focus on the playing as the guitars are the star on this thing. Then we get “Cottonfield Woman”…sounds offensive to me especially since it is about a white guys feelings for a black woman. A pretty racist title, but don’t let that detract from the song as it is a great rock track and I can’t say it enough, the guitar playing is great, listen to that solo and tell me otherwards. More harmonica and definitely a southern rock vibe. Hard to believe these guys are from southern Illinois and not southern Alabama.
The final track is their nod to The Allman Brothers as they cover “Statesboro Blues” (which is a cover to begin with). They stick to the meat & bones of The Allman Brothers’ version and it still shines bright. It has that boogie blues vibe to it and more of their signature guitar playing. Something about dual guitars that really adds a spark to a song.
BOOKLET:
The album includes a four-page booklet that has interviews and information on the band that you can devour as your are immersing yourself into the sounds of Farm. There a few pictures of the band and insight into a band you might not have ever heard of if it wasn’t for labels like Guerssen re-issuing these overlooked gems.
And there you have it. Another golden nugget that was overlooked back in they day. If you are a fan of Southern Rock and Boogie Blues, then you will really dig this album. They have influences in The Allman Brothers, Canned Heat, Quicksilver and even Santana all rolled-up in their sound and they proudly show it. The dual guitar work of Gary and Del are the shining stars of the album, but the rest of the guys don’t hold back either. An album full of a great rhythm section, incredible percussion, vocals and guitars make for some great music. My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars. If you see it out in the wild, grab it!!
